Man charged in fatal wrong-way crash in Knightdale might be in US illegally, officials say

Immigration officials think a man suspected in a fatal wrong-way crash in eastern Wake County on Sunday may be in the country illegally.

Jesus Velez-Alvarado, 28, of Wilmington was charged with causing serious injury by a vehicle, which is a felony, and driving while impaired and driving the wrong way on a two-lane highway.

The accident occurred at 1:50 a.m. on Knightdale Boulevard near Old Milburnie Road. Leroy Owens, who was driving the other vehicle, was pronounced dead at the scene by emergency workers. His wife, Lakeatia Daniels-Owens, suffered "traumatic life threatening injuries," according to an arrest warrant and traffic citations filed Monday in Wake County.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security ordered an immigration hold placed on Velez-Alvarado after Wake County sheriff's deputies checked federal records that indicated he may be in the country illegally. The deputies reported that Alvarado-Velez, who was driving a pickup truck, also made statements that showed he lacked legal immigration status.

Velez-Alvarado admitted he had been drinking and smelled of alcohol, and he had slurred speech and bloodshot eyes, the Highway Patrol reported.

Velez-Alvarado told a trooper that the trooper had not seen him behind the wheel, according to the Highway Patrol. But his injuries were consistent with having been in the driver's seat, he had papers on the driver's side of the vehicle, and the truck had decals related to where he said he worked in Wilmington.

Alvarado-Velez, who made his first court appearance Monday, has not been charged in Owens' death. The victims' tearful family members and friends were in the courtroom.

Wake County District Attorney Lorrin Freeman on Monday afternoon said the case is still under investigation.

"All I can say at this point is this matter remains under review to determine what, if any, additional charges are appropriate," Freeman said in an email.

Booking personnel at the Wake County Detention Center listed Velez-Alvarado as having no permanent address in Wilmington. Knapp said he told the trooper he was in Raleigh to "hang with friends."

Velez-Alvarado was held in the Wake County jail in lieu of $53,000 bail.

This story was originally published April 9, 2018 at 10:44 AM with the headline "Man charged in fatal wrong-way crash in Knightdale might be in US illegally, officials say."